Context:
India has rounded off its operations at the Ayni Air Base in Tajikistan, ending its long-standing involvement since 2002. The withdrawal follows the expiry of a bilateral agreement in 2022 regarding the stationing of Indian personnel.
Key Highlights:
About Ayni Air Base:
• Located in Tajikistan, just west of Dushanbe (capital).
• India’s first overseas military facility.
• Originally a neglected Soviet-era airbase, modernised by India.
India’s Role in Development:
• Development began in the early 2000s under an agreement with Tajikistan.
• India invested nearly $100 million.
• Runway extended to 3,200 metres.
• Upgraded facilities for:
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Refuelling
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Aircraft repairs
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Hangars
• Around 200 Indian Army and Air Force personnel stationed at times.
• Temporary deployment of Su-30MKI fighter jets and helicopters.
Withdrawal:
• India withdrew after the bilateral stationing agreement ended in 2022.
• Marked the conclusion of India’s operational presence at the base.
Why Ayni Air Base Mattered for India:
Strategic Location:
• Approximately 20 km from Afghanistan’s Wakhan Corridor.
• Wakhan Corridor borders Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
• Provided strategic depth in India’s extended neighbourhood.
Security and Strategic Leverage:
• Enabled India to maintain contact with anti-Taliban forces before 2001.
• Provided logistical route for humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
• Used in 2021 evacuation operations after Taliban takeover.
• Potential strategic reach towards cities like Peshawar in Pakistan (theoretical capability).
Geopolitical Significance:
• Enhanced India’s presence in Central Asia, traditionally dominated by Russia and increasingly influenced by China.
• Strengthened India’s outreach under its Connect Central Asia Policy.
Relevant Prelims Points:
• Ayni Air Base Location: Tajikistan, near Dushanbe.
• India’s first overseas military facility.
• Runway length after modernization: 3,200 metres.
• India invested ~$100 million in modernization.
• Strategic proximity to Wakhan Corridor (Afghanistan).
• Used during 2021 Afghanistan evacuation.
Issue & Causes:
• Expiry of bilateral agreement (2022).
• Changing regional geopolitical equations post-Taliban takeover.
Benefits (Earlier):
• Strategic depth beyond immediate borders.
• Central Asian presence.
• Humanitarian and evacuation support.
Challenges:
• Dependence on host nation agreements.
• Sensitivity of Central Asia geopolitics.
• Balancing relations with Russia and China in the region.
Relevant Mains Points:
Strategic Autonomy & Overseas Military Presence:
• Ayni marked a rare example of India’s overseas military footprint.
• Demonstrated India’s capability to project power in its extended neighbourhood.
Geopolitical Importance of Central Asia:
• Rich in energy resources.
• Critical for regional connectivity (International North-South Transport Corridor – INSTC).
• Influenced by Russia and China (e.g., Belt and Road Initiative).
Security Implications:
• Provided access point near Afghanistan amid instability.
• Enhanced India’s counter-terrorism and intelligence capabilities.
Post-Withdrawal Implications:
• Reduced direct strategic leverage in Central Asia.
• Emphasizes need for diplomatic and multilateral engagement (e.g., SCO).
Way Forward:
• Strengthen defence diplomacy with Central Asian nations.
• Expand connectivity via Chabahar Port and INSTC.
• Enhance intelligence and counter-terror cooperation.
• Deepen engagement under SCO and regional multilateral forums.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
• GS Paper II: India’s foreign policy, Central Asia, SCO, strategic partnerships.
• GS Paper III: Defence and security strategy, regional geopolitics.
• Prelims: Location of Tajikistan, Wakhan Corridor, Ayni Air Base facts.
• Essay: Strategic autonomy and India’s extended neighbourhood policy.